Program Specialist Jobs in Illinois

Department

PME STAGE Lab

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next growth phase as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Devoted to collaborations among scientists and artists, STAGE — Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration — is a Center within the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. The Center’s distinct research merges scientific and artistic inquiry, often through the creation and development of new film, theatre, games, and other artistic endeavors inspired by science and technology. STAGE harnesses the power of storytelling, emotional engagement, and entertainment to translate complex scientific ideas into relatable human experience, promoting understanding of the sciences in the public arena through new forms of artistic expression.

Job Summary

Reporting to the STAGE Center Assistant Director, the Multimedia Specialist and Program Administrator facilitates STAGE’s day-to-day administrative, technical, and multimedia projects’ needs. They will work closely with the leadership team; on-campus support systems, such as IT, Marketing, etc.; and external vendors to ensure the STAGE team has the appropriate elements to bring their projects to fruition. In conjunction with the Center’s Program Manager, they will help with project administration, event facilitation, and the creation of multimedia prototypes/mockups based on the visualization needs of STAGE’s various projects. The ideal candidate is committed to interdisciplinary work, particularly between science and art, and above all, approaches the work with curiosity and a willingness to learn by doing. They should exhibit strong critical thinking skills to manage daily project needs and possess a solutions-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Supports all STAGE projects with a hands-on approach to planning, research, and execution. Develops a close understanding of individual project needs and proactively meets needs and fills gaps.
• Helps realize STAGE’s various projects through multimedia design, often through prototyping. Possible visualizations may involve projection/video design, 3D modeling, digital animation and renders, storyboards, etc. Revises drafts based on collaborative iteration with leadership and student teams.
• Operates A/V systems along with STAGE’s various other technical systems, including Adobe Creative Cloud Suite software, cloud storage networks, etc., and/or coordinates with on-campus IT and support entities to ensure proper setup and maintenance. Troubleshoots when hardware or software breaks down, serves as technical liaison with support services to solve any problems in a timely manner.
• Implements STAGE’s varied technical needs using either prior knowledge or a commitment to learning by doing.
• Facilitates the Center’s day-to-day work; uses PME and UChicago resources and support entities, such as HR, IT, Marketing, Facilities, and works closely with the STAGE Program Manager to meet project deadlines and academic year benchmarks. Assists, as needed, in scheduling meetings, reserving space, managing the general STAGE inbox, and other related administrative activities to keep core communication running smoothly.
• Creates and maintains project organizational structures to ensure timely task completion and sustainable workflows. Assists in various capacities for the pre-production, production and post-production needs of theatre, film, games and other artistic endeavors at STAGE.
• Drafts standard operating procedures for technical work and develops project handbooks, ensuring documentation is accurate and clear throughout project lifespan.
• Creates and maintains supply tracking systems for all of STAGE’s project materials, including technical gear, film materials, and event resources, etc. Introduces and reinforces tracking systems among student staff and deploys regular checks of hardware to confirm functionality.
• Optimizes multimedia content for websites, social media, and presentations. Maintains media libraries and organize digital assets.
• Manages communication between internal and external stakeholders, vendors, and Center team members.
• Provides resource planning, onboarding, and logistics for project activities and events.
• Supports all STAGE events, from planning to day of execution. Identifies student participants, confirms space requirements, sources technical materials, documents events by taking photos and videos, and communicates between the STAGE team and external entities to ensure successful STAGE events.
• Makes STAGE’s work visible to our broader community through our digital platforms. Conducts regular website maintenance, quality assurance checks, and generates and implements content. Works with external partners and on-campus entities to ensure the website meets all mandated criteria. Keeps information updated and accurate; posts new articles, photos, etc. highlighting recent events, partnerships, and project milestones.
• May assist with other administrative projects as needed and acquire higher-level guidance and skills.
• Has a deep understanding and experience to support the planning, development and execution of audio-visual productions with minimal supervision.
• Designs, develops, installs, operates and troubleshoots audio-visual systems, such as video conferencing, digital media and desktop and network-based technologies.
• Performs other work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

-

Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with multimedia design tools such as 3D modeling, HTML/CSS basics, wireframing, digital rendering, graphic design software, laser cutters, etc.
• Familiarity with basic stage lighting, audio creation, and game design software is a plus.
• Organize data, content, and equipment, such as digital files, film footage, technical equipment, Google Suite, Box, archival content, etc., and keep these systems up-to-date.
• Knowledge of project management software and version control techniques.
• Familiarity with film editing software, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, cloud storage networks, etc. is a plus.

Preferred Competencies

• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$85,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.